Quartz countertops are heat resistant but not heat-proof, so the counter can withstand limited exposure to hot items. A steaming mug of coffee, a warm plate of food or a coffee maker on quartz countertop surfaces isn't going to cause a problem.
The low threshold makes quartz more likely to burn or break when in contact with heat. Therefore, you can put a hot mug of coffee on your countertop, but a searing hot pan or boiling pot of water could leave a burn mark. Over time, coffee mugs and teacups could leave burn marks as well.
But even a white quartz countertop is vulnerable to staining from products such as red wine, tea, coffee, tomato sauce, and more if it's not cleaned up right away. In such cases, the staining liquid is not absorbed by the quartz countertop surface.
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
No, it is not recommended that you place appliances like a toaster oven on your quartz countertop. The dramatic fluctuations in heat could cause your countertop to crack. Put a trivet or cutting board under your toaster oven while in use to prevent any damage to your beautiful counters.
– Again, quartz is extremely durable. High-quality quartz is virtually crack-resistant, but lesser quality quartz can crack or shatter if exposed to extreme cold, such as an ice bag left on the counter. The same goes for extreme heat. Sudden, drastic changes in temperature may crack a quartz surface.
Quartz and granite countertops are priced similarly per square foot, with granite counters having the wider variation in price. Granite can be more expensive than quartz at times, based on the availability of a color and pattern.
Some might notice stains on their white quartz countertop as a result of using the wrong cleaning products. Anything with harsh chemicals, including oil soaps, detergents, paint thinners, and any cleanser containing bleach, could stain or discolor your countertop instead of getting it sparkling clean.
Your white quartz, and other lighter colored quartz, can turn yellow over time. This is usually due to the resins in the manufacturing process. They will react to salts and surfactants over time.
No, you can't use disinfecting wipes on quartz countertops. Disinfecting wipes contain citric acid as their primary ingredient and are not diluted in any way. When you use these wipes to clean your countertop, they will weaken the seal on your countertop's surface leaving them vulnerable to discoloration.
Yes, you can use a Magic Eraser to clean quartz. They won't scratch the surface and can even remove some imperfections you thought you had to live with. Scotch-Brite also makes some non-scratch scouring pads that work well on engineered stone.
Because Pine Sol does not contain harsh ingredients such as bleach and uses a minimal amount of natural ingredients, it can be used to clean quartz countertops. It's an effective, natural cleaner and disinfectant that can be used on your quartz countertops regularly.
Quartz countertops are made with up to 90% quartz. The rest of the material is pigments and resin. Since the resin can only withstand approximately 150 degrees, placing very hot materials such as a pan directly out of the oven will burn the countertop and cause permanent damage.
Quartz countertops are extremely heat resistant. However, they can only withstand heat up until a certain threshold. During the countertop's fabrication process, the quartz slab is cured at temperatures of about 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
On average, the most common reasons for cracks in quartz countertops are: Sudden exposure to extreme heat (like the sizzling pan you took off the stove and immediately set on the countertop to serve). Hot pans are often hotter than 300 degrees Fahrenheit which can burn and damage your quartz countertop.
Most people love the appearance of quartz, but others say it looks fake and cheap. Bottom line—with quartz, the design options are virtually limitless, but it's difficult to match the truly unique and exotic patterns you get with natural stone.
Bar Keepers Friend Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish is specially formulated for use on smooth, polished stone – including granite, marble, and quartz. Its pH-balanced formula won't scratch or mar stone finishes, and it's gentle enough to use every day.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
Quartz is scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof. Remember that although your quartz countertops are incredibly durable, they are not cutting boards. Never cut directly on your countertops to avoid scratching the finish and making the stone more vulnerable to staining.
Clorox, whether it is Clorox wipes or the Multi-Purpose cleaning fluid, is not safe to use for cleaning and disinfecting your granite. The multi-purpose cleaner contains bleach, which is extremely harmful for granite and many other natural stones.
To fix a chip in your quartz countertop, you'll need adhesive filler or super glue. Use a brush or spatula to apply thin coats of filler or glue to the affected area until it's level with the surface. If your surface is a dark color, look for pigmented epoxy adhesive, which will blend in with your countertop better.
A number of factors can cause chips to appear on quartz countertops. These include bumping, setting heavy objects, dropping of kitchen materials and equipment, and someone sitting or standing on your kitchen countertop.
For a contemporary, upscale look with very low maintenance required, quartz countertops are definitely worth considering. Be aware of the few potential drawbacks and their price. If you're willing to live with those things, quartz countertops should meet or exceed your expectations.
Just to familiarize owners who are looking at quartz as a possibility, we share a few facts: Cambria is pure natural quartz and is the extremely hard mineral that gives Cambria its strength. Granite is only about 40% to 60% quartz (along with other softer minerals and impurities).